Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs Recipe

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- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) - Cooked rice or noodles - Additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. Using fresh herbs and quality meat makes a big difference. You can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter dish. Mixing in fresh parsley adds a nice touch and flavor. If you want a thicker sauce, add cornstarch. The honey gives a sweet flavor that balances the soy sauce. You can serve these meatballs over rice or noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or parsley on top makes it look fancy. Enjoying this dish can be a fun family meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix these well. Use your hands for the best results. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate. You should have about 20-24 meatballs. - In a separate bowl, mix: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this to your sauce mix. Blend it well until smooth. - Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. - Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs. Make sure they are well covered. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Check the meatballs after cooking time. Stir gently in the sauce before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors! To make the best meatballs, mix all the ingredients well. This helps blend the flavors. Use your hands for an even mix. Don't overwork the meat, or your meatballs will be tough. When forming meatballs, aim for about 1 inch in size. This keeps cooking time equal for all the meatballs. You should get around 20 to 24 meatballs from the recipe. If you want a thicker sauce, play with the cornstarch amount. Start with one tablespoon, mixed with a bit of water. You can add more later if needed. Feel free to tweak flavors too. Add crushed red pepper for heat or fresh ginger for a zing. Adjust the honey for sweetness, depending on your taste. When using a slow cooker, cooking on low takes about 4 to 6 hours. If you're short on time, set it on high for 2 to 3 hours. Always check for doneness. The meatballs should be firm and the sauce bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F. This way, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meatballs every time. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to your meatballs. You can also experiment with other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. For a less sweet option, reduce the honey or substitute with a sugar alternative. Frozen Meatballs: These meatballs freeze well! Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick meal later. Just reheat in the sauce before serving. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce. This prevents lumps and gives a smooth finish. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different meats. Ground chicken or turkey makes a lighter dish. These options still pack a punch in flavor. If you prefer beef, you can mix it with pork. This blend adds richness and a unique taste. Feel free to add different flavors to your meatballs. Ginger gives a nice kick and brightens the taste. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs bring freshness and depth to your dish. Try mixing in spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a twist. You can swap honey for maple syrup if you like. This change gives a different sweet note. For the sauce, try using apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Each vinegar adds its unique flavor to the dish. You can even mix in hot sauce for some heat. Experimenting with sauces can lead to exciting new tastes! To store your leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner later. Make sure to eat them within four days. To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the sauce too. When ready to eat, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a pan over low heat or microwave them for a few minutes. In the fridge, the meatballs last about four days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy the flavors even after storing! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them as per the recipe, then store them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to use an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. To check if your meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The center should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be brown and hot inside. No pink should remain. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Cooked rice - Noodles - Steamed vegetables - A fresh salad You can also drizzle extra sauce on your sides for added flavor. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the slow cooker. You may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour. The sauce will help cook them through and add flavor. Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. There are many brands available that cater to gluten-free diets. Enjoy your tasty meal without worries! You’ve learned how to make easy slow cooker honey garlic meatballs. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty dish perfect for any meal. Remember to adjust flavors and cooking times to fit your taste. Leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy them later. Have fun experimenting with different meats and sauces. This recipe offers endless possibilities while staying simple and delicious. Now, it’s time to get cooking and savor your creation!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready for a tasty meal that cooks itself? With my Savory Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs recipe, you’ll enjoy tender meatballs bathed in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy days, this dish combines simple ingredients for a hearty feast. In just a few steps, you can make a meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the sweet details and get cooking!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Sauce: The honey garlic sauce is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, elevating the meatballs to a new level.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ground beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter option without losing flavor.
  4. Easy Clean-Up: Cooking in a slow cooker means less mess and hassle, allowing you to enjoy your meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 large egg

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

Optional Serving Suggestions

– Cooked rice or noodles

– Additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds for garnish

Gather these ingredients before you start. Using fresh herbs and quality meat makes a big difference. You can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter dish. Mixing in fresh parsley adds a nice touch and flavor. If you want a thicker sauce, add cornstarch. The honey gives a sweet flavor that balances the soy sauce.

You can serve these meatballs over rice or noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or parsley on top makes it look fancy. Enjoying this dish can be a fun family meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Meatballs

– In a large mixing bowl, combine:

– 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1 large egg

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix these well. Use your hands for the best results. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate. You should have about 20-24 meatballs.

Sauce Preparation

– In a separate bowl, mix:

– 1/2 cup honey

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this to your sauce mix. Blend it well until smooth.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

– Place the meatballs in the slow cooker.

– Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs. Make sure they are well covered.

Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Check the meatballs after cooking time. Stir gently in the sauce before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Meatballs

To make the best meatballs, mix all the ingredients well. This helps blend the flavors. Use your hands for an even mix. Don’t overwork the meat, or your meatballs will be tough. When forming meatballs, aim for about 1 inch in size. This keeps cooking time equal for all the meatballs. You should get around 20 to 24 meatballs from the recipe.

Sauce Consistency Tips

If you want a thicker sauce, play with the cornstarch amount. Start with one tablespoon, mixed with a bit of water. You can add more later if needed. Feel free to tweak flavors too. Add crushed red pepper for heat or fresh ginger for a zing. Adjust the honey for sweetness, depending on your taste.

Cooking Time Adjustments

When using a slow cooker, cooking on low takes about 4 to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, set it on high for 2 to 3 hours. Always check for doneness. The meatballs should be firm and the sauce bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F. This way, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meatballs every time.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to your meatballs. You can also experiment with other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
  2. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. For a less sweet option, reduce the honey or substitute with a sugar alternative.
  3. Frozen Meatballs: These meatballs freeze well! Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick meal later. Just reheat in the sauce before serving.
  4. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce. This prevents lumps and gives a smooth finish.

Variations

Different Meat Options

You can switch things up with different meats. Ground chicken or turkey makes a lighter dish. These options still pack a punch in flavor. If you prefer beef, you can mix it with pork. This blend adds richness and a unique taste.

Flavoring Additions

Feel free to add different flavors to your meatballs. Ginger gives a nice kick and brightens the taste. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs bring freshness and depth to your dish. Try mixing in spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a twist.

Sauce Alternatives

You can swap honey for maple syrup if you like. This change gives a different sweet note. For the sauce, try using apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Each vinegar adds its unique flavor to the dish. You can even mix in hot sauce for some heat. Experimenting with sauces can lead to exciting new tastes!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Instructions

To store your leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner later. Make sure to eat them within four days.

Freezing Guidelines

To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the sauce too. When ready to eat, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a pan over low heat or microwave them for a few minutes.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, the meatballs last about four days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy the flavors even after storing!

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them as per the recipe, then store them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to use an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

How do I know when meatballs are fully cooked?

To check if your meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The center should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be brown and hot inside. No pink should remain.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:

– Cooked rice

– Noodles

– Steamed vegetables

– A fresh salad

You can also drizzle extra sauce on your sides for added flavor.

Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the slow cooker. You may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour. The sauce will help cook them through and add flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. There are many brands available that cater to gluten-free diets. Enjoy your tasty meal without worries!

You’ve learned how to make easy slow cooker honey garlic meatballs. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty dish perfect for any meal. Remember to adjust flavors and cooking times to fit your taste. Leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy them later. Have fun experimenting with different meats and sauces. This recipe offers endless possibilities while staying simple and delicious. Now, it’s time to get cooking and savor your creatio

- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) - Cooked rice or noodles - Additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. Using fresh herbs and quality meat makes a big difference. You can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter dish. Mixing in fresh parsley adds a nice touch and flavor. If you want a thicker sauce, add cornstarch. The honey gives a sweet flavor that balances the soy sauce. You can serve these meatballs over rice or noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or parsley on top makes it look fancy. Enjoying this dish can be a fun family meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix these well. Use your hands for the best results. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate. You should have about 20-24 meatballs. - In a separate bowl, mix: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this to your sauce mix. Blend it well until smooth. - Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. - Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs. Make sure they are well covered. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Check the meatballs after cooking time. Stir gently in the sauce before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors! To make the best meatballs, mix all the ingredients well. This helps blend the flavors. Use your hands for an even mix. Don't overwork the meat, or your meatballs will be tough. When forming meatballs, aim for about 1 inch in size. This keeps cooking time equal for all the meatballs. You should get around 20 to 24 meatballs from the recipe. If you want a thicker sauce, play with the cornstarch amount. Start with one tablespoon, mixed with a bit of water. You can add more later if needed. Feel free to tweak flavors too. Add crushed red pepper for heat or fresh ginger for a zing. Adjust the honey for sweetness, depending on your taste. When using a slow cooker, cooking on low takes about 4 to 6 hours. If you're short on time, set it on high for 2 to 3 hours. Always check for doneness. The meatballs should be firm and the sauce bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach at least 165°F. This way, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meatballs every time. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to your meatballs. You can also experiment with other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. For a less sweet option, reduce the honey or substitute with a sugar alternative. Frozen Meatballs: These meatballs freeze well! Make a double batch and freeze extras for a quick meal later. Just reheat in the sauce before serving. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce. This prevents lumps and gives a smooth finish. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different meats. Ground chicken or turkey makes a lighter dish. These options still pack a punch in flavor. If you prefer beef, you can mix it with pork. This blend adds richness and a unique taste. Feel free to add different flavors to your meatballs. Ginger gives a nice kick and brightens the taste. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs bring freshness and depth to your dish. Try mixing in spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a twist. You can swap honey for maple syrup if you like. This change gives a different sweet note. For the sauce, try using apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Each vinegar adds its unique flavor to the dish. You can even mix in hot sauce for some heat. Experimenting with sauces can lead to exciting new tastes! To store your leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner later. Make sure to eat them within four days. To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the sauce too. When ready to eat, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a pan over low heat or microwave them for a few minutes. In the fridge, the meatballs last about four days. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy the flavors even after storing! Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them as per the recipe, then store them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for about three days. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to use an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. To check if your meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The center should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be brown and hot inside. No pink should remain. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Cooked rice - Noodles - Steamed vegetables - A fresh salad You can also drizzle extra sauce on your sides for added flavor. Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the slow cooker. You may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour. The sauce will help cook them through and add flavor. Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. There are many brands available that cater to gluten-free diets. Enjoy your tasty meal without worries! You’ve learned how to make easy slow cooker honey garlic meatballs. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty dish perfect for any meal. Remember to adjust flavors and cooking times to fit your taste. Leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy them later. Have fun experimenting with different meats and sauces. This recipe offers endless possibilities while staying simple and delicious. Now, it’s time to get cooking and savor your creation!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

Delicious meatballs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • to taste cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil together to create the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce.
  • Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring they're well covered.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time constraints.
  • Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs in the sauce before serving.

Notes

Serve meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles, drizzling extra sauce on top. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or sesame seeds for a pop of color!
Keyword honey garlic, meatballs, slow cooker

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